Childhood cancer: Warning signs all parents should know

If having to deal with a global pandemic in the form of the coronavirus wasn’t bad enough, parents also have to worry about their children falling ill with other illnesses and conditions unrelated to Covid-19.

Among the many health-related concerns parents have is childhood cancer. Cancer in children is sadly often undiagnosed or overlooked because people not only fear visiting medical facilities but are also not aware of the early warning signs of cancer.

The stats are scary

For non-profit organisation, Rainbows and Smiles Foundation, a major worry is that early warning signs of childhood cancer are being missed, which could result in treatment starting too late for many.

“Every year, almost 1 000 South African children are diagnosed with cancer and, because of our socio-economic challenges, early warning signs are often undetected,” said Bonita Suckling,  Founder Member of Rainbow and Smiles Foundation. “As a result, these children face a difficult battle. Experts estimate that around two-thirds of childhood cancers in our country remain unreported. To improve survival rates, more children need to be diagnosed early and treated by a pediatrician.”

She said that the challenges are now compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic and strain on the healthcare facilities: “Rainbows and Smiles have faced multiple constraints and, with Covid-19 prioritised, there are subsequent delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment.”

Another major concern for the foundation is that families are reluctant to take their children to the doctor because of coronavirus risk.

“A delay in diagnosis could result in more advanced cancer that is harder to treat,” continued Suckling. “This is why we are putting more effort into creating awareness, breaking down barriers and curbing the stigma that can quickly emerge during a time of crisis.”

Signs and symptoms of childhood cancers